Ernie Ball P02839 6-String Baritone Slinky Electric Guitar Strings 13–72

Give your baritone guitar the tension, definition and low-end stability it needs with the Ernie Ball P02839 6-String Baritone Slinky set. Featuring substantial 13–72 gauges, these nickel-wound strings are designed specifically for extended-scale instruments tuned from A to A or B to B.

The heavy .072 low string helps keep lower notes controlled and articulate, while the .013 and .018 plain strings retain enough flexibility for lead playing, vibrato and chord work. This carefully balanced combination makes the set suitable for baritone rock, metal, alternative, ambient and other styles that rely on a deeper tuning without sacrificing note clarity.

Made with nickel-plated steel wound around hex-shaped steel cores, Baritone Slinkys deliver the bright, balanced response associated with Ernie Ball’s Slinky range. Small guitar-style ball ends provide compatibility with conventional baritone guitar bridges rather than the larger fittings used on traditional bass strings.

Why Choose Ernie Ball Baritone Slinky 13–72 Strings?

Standard electric guitar strings can feel loose and unstable when tuned down significantly, particularly on longer-scale baritone instruments. The Ernie Ball 13–72 set provides the additional tension needed to improve tuning stability, picking response and low-note definition.

The .072 sixth string gives heavy riffs and low chords a firm foundation, while the progressively balanced middle gauges help maintain an even feel across the instrument. The two plain treble strings prevent the upper register from becoming unnecessarily stiff.

This makes the set a strong choice for players who want a genuinely baritone-focused string set rather than a conventional heavy guitar set pressed into a lower-tuned role.

Key Features

• Designed for six-string baritone electric guitars

• Heavy 13–72 gauge combination

• Optimised for A-to-A and B-to-B tuning

• Nickel-plated steel wound strings

• Hex-shaped steel cores

• Tempered tin-plated high-carbon steel plain strings

• Bright, balanced Slinky tone

• Firm low-string response

• Improved definition for low tunings

• Small guitar-style ball ends

• Individually packaged strings for protection

• Ernie Ball product code P02839

Baritone String Gauges

The set contains:

• .013 plain

• .018 plain

• .030 wound

• .044 wound

• .056 wound

• .072 wound

The heavy lower strings provide the tension required for baritone tuning, while the plain .013 and .018 strings keep melodies, chords and upper-register parts playable.

Designed for A-to-A and B-to-B Tuning

The Ernie Ball Baritone Slinky set is optimised for two common baritone guitar tunings:

B-to-B Baritone Tuning

B–E–A–D–F#–B follows the same interval pattern as standard guitar tuning but sits a perfect fourth lower. This allows familiar chord shapes and scale patterns to be used while producing a deeper overall range.

A-to-A Baritone Tuning

A–D–G–C–E–A sits a perfect fifth below standard guitar tuning. The heavier 13–72 gauges help maintain a controlled feel at this lower pitch, reducing the loose response that can occur with lighter strings.

The ideal tuning and tension will also depend on the instrument’s scale length, construction and setup.

Nickel-Wound Construction for Balanced Electric Tone

The wound strings use nickel-plated steel wrapped around hex-shaped steel cores. This construction provides a balanced combination of magnetic output, brightness, warmth and familiar playing feel.

Nickel-plated steel works effectively with standard magnetic guitar pickups and is widely used for electric guitar strings because it offers clear attack without the harder response associated with some brighter alloys.

The plain strings are manufactured from specially tempered, tin-plated high-carbon steel for strength, consistent intonation and a balanced tonal transition from the wound strings.

Stronger Low-End Definition for Heavy Riffs

Low tunings place greater demands on the sixth and fifth strings. A string that is too light can feel loose under the pick, produce excessive pitch movement during the initial attack and lose clarity during fast or heavily distorted passages.

The .072 sixth string provides a firmer response for:

• Low-tuned rhythm guitar

• Heavy palm-muted riffs

• Alternative and experimental guitar parts

• Ambient baritone textures

• Extended chord voicings

• Studio layering

• Soundtrack and cinematic guitar work

The additional tension can make low notes feel more controlled while helping complex chords retain separation.

Who Are Ernie Ball Baritone Slinky Strings For?

This set is particularly well suited to:

• Six-string baritone guitar players

• Musicians using A-to-A or B-to-B tuning

• Guitarists who need greater low-string stability

• Rock, metal and alternative players

• Ambient and cinematic guitarists

• Studio musicians adding lower-register guitar parts

• Songwriters exploring a deeper tonal range

• Players replacing the original strings on a compatible baritone guitar

These strings are not intended as a direct replacement for a conventional light or medium electric guitar set used in standard E tuning.

Baritone Strings vs Standard Heavy Guitar Strings

Compared with Regular Slinky 10–46

Regular Slinky 10–46 strings are designed primarily for conventional electric guitars in standard and moderately altered tunings. They will feel substantially looser if used for baritone A or B tuning.

The 13–72 Baritone Slinky set provides much greater low-string tension and is manufactured in lengths suited to compatible extended-scale baritone instruments.

Compared with Not Even Slinky 12–56

Not Even Slinky 12–56 strings are a heavy conventional guitar set often chosen for drop tuning and a firmer standard-scale feel.

Baritone Slinky 13–72 strings extend much further into the lower register. The .072 sixth string offers significantly greater support for true baritone tuning than the .056 found in the Not Even Slinky set.

Compared with Mammoth Slinky 12–62

Mammoth Slinky 12–62 strings provide a strong low end for heavily down-tuned conventional electric guitars.

The Baritone Slinky set moves up to a .072 sixth string and uses string lengths intended for compatible baritone instruments. It is the more suitable choice for dedicated six-string baritone guitars tuned to A or B.

Compared with Seven-String Guitar Strings

A seven-string set provides an additional string and is gauged for a seven-string instrument’s tuning and layout. The P02839 is a dedicated six-string set for players who want a baritone range while retaining a familiar six-string format.

Compared with Acoustic Baritone Strings

The P02839 set uses nickel-plated steel winding for use with magnetic electric guitar pickups. An acoustic baritone guitar designed for bronze strings requires an appropriate acoustic baritone set instead.

Instrument Compatibility and String Length

The P02839 set is intended for compatible six-string baritone guitars using small guitar-style ball ends.

String lengths are:

Strings	Length
.013 to .044	48 inches
.056 and .072	39.5 inches
.072 taper point	37 inches

Check your instrument’s scale length, bridge design and tuner position before fitting. The set may not be compatible with reverse-headstock guitars because the thicker strings have shorter overall lengths than the first four strings.

Will My Baritone Guitar Need a Setup?

Moving from a lighter set to 13–72 strings changes the tension placed on the neck and hardware. Your guitar may require adjustments to:

• Nut-slot width

• Neck relief

• String action

• Bridge or saddle position

• Intonation

• Pickup height

The .072 string must sit correctly in the nut slot without binding. Do not force it into a slot that is too narrow, as this can cause tuning problems or damage to the nut.

A professional setup is recommended when changing significantly from the gauge for which the instrument was previously adjusted.

What’s Included?

• One complete set of six Ernie Ball P02839 Baritone Slinky strings

• Gauges .013, .018p, .030, .044, .056 and .072

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Brand	Ernie Ball
Model	6-String Baritone Slinky
Product code	P02839
Instrument type	Six-string baritone electric guitar
Number of strings	6
Gauge range	13–72
Individual gauges	.013, .018p, .030, .044, .056, .072
Plain strings	.013 and .018
Wound strings	.030, .044, .056 and .072
Winding material	Nickel-plated steel
Core material	Steel
Core shape	Hexagonal
Plain-string material	Tempered tin-plated high-carbon steel
Ball-end type	Small guitar-style ball ends
Recommended tunings	A-to-A and B-to-B
.013–.044 string length	48 inches
.056 and .072 string length	39.5 inches
.072 taper point	37 inches
Reverse-headstock compatibility	May not be compatible

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these strings for a standard six-string guitar?

They are designed primarily for extended-scale six-string baritone guitars. They are substantially heavier than a conventional electric guitar set and should not be fitted to a standard guitar without confirming compatibility and arranging the necessary setup work.

What tunings are these strings designed for?

Ernie Ball recommends the set for A-to-A and B-to-B baritone tuning.

Is the .018 string plain or wound?

The .018 string is plain. The .030, .044, .056 and .072 strings are wound.

Can I use these strings in standard E tuning?

These gauges are intended for lower baritone tunings. Tuning the complete set to standard E on an unsuitable instrument could create excessive tension.

Will the .072 string fit through my tuning machine?

Compatibility depends on the tuner and instrument design. The tuner post, nut slot and bridge must all accommodate the thicker string correctly.

Will these fit a reverse-headstock baritone guitar?

Ernie Ball states that the set may not be compatible with reverse-headstock instruments. Check the distance between the bridge and each tuning post against the listed string lengths before fitting.

Can these strings be used for drop tuning?

The set can support altered baritone tunings, but the exact feel will depend on scale length and target pitch. For tunings significantly outside A-to-A or B-to-B, consult an experienced guitar technician about suitable gauges and setup.

Are these strings suitable for baritone acoustic guitar?

No. They are nickel-wound electric strings intended for magnetic pickups. Use strings designed specifically for an acoustic baritone guitar.

Do heavier strings improve tuning stability?

A correctly matched heavier set can provide a firmer response and more stable feel at low pitches. The guitar must also be properly set up, with correctly cut nut slots and accurate intonation.

How often should baritone strings be changed?

Replacement frequency depends on playing time, perspiration, storage conditions and tonal preference. Change them when they sound dull, feel rough, show corrosion or become difficult to tune accurately.

Fair Deal Music Verdict

★★★★★ 5/5

The Ernie Ball P02839 Baritone Slinky set is an excellent choice for six-string baritone players who need dependable tension, clear low notes and the familiar balanced character of nickel-wound Slinky strings.

Its standout feature is the carefully selected 13–72 gauge range. The substantial .072 sixth string gives A and B tunings the foundation they need, while the plain treble strings preserve a practical playing feel for chords and melodic work.

We recommend this set for dedicated baritone instruments used in rock, metal, alternative, ambient and studio applications. It provides strong value, reliable construction and a much more appropriate solution than attempting to use a conventional guitar set at true baritone pitch.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

Choosing Fair Deal Music means buying from a passionate team of musicians who genuinely understand the products we sell. Whether you're purchasing your first instrument, upgrading your current setup or searching for something special, we're here to help you make the right choice with friendly advice and expert support.

When you shop with Fair Deal Music, you can buy with confidence thanks to:

Expert advice from knowledgeable musicians
Carefully checked new, used, pre-owned and ex-display equipment
Competitive prices on leading music brands
Secure UK-wide delivery
Flexible finance options available (subject to status)
Friendly support before and after your purchase
A trusted independent UK music retailer with decades of experience

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Thinking about upgrading? Your next piece of gear could cost less than you think.

We're always happy to consider part exchanges and trade-ins on a wide range of musical instruments and equipment. Whether you're looking to upgrade your guitar, keyboard, amplifier, drum kit or studio gear, your existing equipment could help reduce the cost of your next purchase.

Simply get in touch with our team for a no-obligation valuation, and we'll be happy to discuss the options available.

It's an easy way to unlock the value of the gear you no longer use while making your next instrument even more affordable.

Give your baritone guitar the tension and low-end definition it deserves with the Ernie Ball P02839 Baritone Slinky 13–72 string set. Order securely from Fair Deal Music with fast UK delivery and friendly advice from our experienced team of musicians.